472 ARTIFICIAL PROPAGATION OF GROUSE 



p. 878, illustrative of the spread of yearly egg production at the Center. 



Early writers often mentioned the necessity of removing eggs of wild birds with the aid of a 

 long-handled spoon lest the mother desert her nest. Subsequent experience indicates the story 

 to be without foundation, either in the wild or in captivity. 



The pen number and date may be marked in pencil on the large end of the egg to facili- 

 tate identification. An accurate record showing the date on which each egg is laid should 

 be maintained for each pen. 



At the Center the eggs are collected and set every four days. The frequent settings allow 

 opportunity to check fertility. Collecting every fourth day does not disturb the birds too 

 often. 



Controlling: Disease. All the work incident to selecting the breeders and their subsequent 

 care is of no avail if a rigorous program of sanitation is not maintained. Disease prevention 

 is far more important than disease control. 



Blackhead has proved to be the most persistent disease. Each year it has been responsible 

 for the loss of a few females either during or subsequent to the breeding season. To prevent 

 such losses, all birds which show symptoms of the disease or which have been exposed, should 

 be eliminated from the flock. This rule also applies to adults having ulcerative enteritis or 

 other chronic diseases. 



During the past seven years no serious outbreak of blackhead has occurred at the Center. 

 This has been due largely to the continuous application of a few simple control measures. 

 They are: 



1. Maintenance of strict sanitation in the pens. 



2. Discouragement of flies and other carriers of disease by treating droppings under the 

 pens. 



3. FVompt disposition of all dead birds. 



4. Consistent removal of feed and other waste materials, which might sour and attract flies, 

 from under or near the pens. 



5. Mowing of grass under and adjacent to pens to ciiiniiuUe dampness and discourage the 

 presence of grasshoppers and other insects which might be carriers of disease. 



6. Prompt examination of all dead birds to determine the cause of death. 



7. Immediate application of treatment and control measures as soon as the disease is rec- 

 ognized. 



Among grouse reared on the ground, disease is still a factor causing almost prohibitive 

 losses. But when breeders are properly cared for and raised on wire, there need be little 

 fear of serious losses. 



The Summer and Fall Period 



Moiiltinp and Recuperation. It is in the period following the breeding season that the 

 adults are likely to receive least attention, for the energies of the game farm personnel are 

 then directed to the hatching of the eggs and the rearing of the chicks. Nevertheless, care is 

 essential for, shortly after egg laying ceases, the females are at or near their lowest weight of 

 the year and the period of the moult is just ahead. To provide the nutrients needed to build 

 the birds back to health, the lavitifr ration should be continued until the middle of August. 



I 



